How to Safely Thaw a Turkey (2024)

FAQs

How to Safely Thaw a Turkey? ›

The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 - 5 pounds of weight. If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw.

Thaw in the Refrigerator

Thawing your turkey in the refrigerator is the safest and easiest technique because you'll have the most temperature control with this method. Saunier says to start by clearing a space in your refrigerator. If the bird is big, you may need to move shelving up or down to make more room.

Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basem*nt, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored. A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature.

Thawing turkey in a sink of cold water is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it's not safe to leave it in the sink to thaw overnight.

Check your turkey thaw with an instant-read thermometer

Use an instant-read thermometer, like our Thermapen^® ONE, to verify your turkey's internal temperature in multiple locations before putting it in the oven. It should be above 32°F (0°C) That's right, you measure the temperature of your turkey before you cook it!

The Best Place to Thaw Your Thanksgiving Turkey In Your Refrigerator Is On the Bottom Shelf | Rachael Ray Show.

It is safe to cook a turkey that is frozen. A solidly frozen turkey will take 50% longer to cook than a thawed turkey. If it is only partially frozen, it will still take longer to cook than a thawed one.

Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking. For more information about thawing a turkey, go to Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing.

Put the turkeys in unused plastic bags and place them in the coolers. Depending on weight, they'll need 3-4 days to thaw. Check after the first 2 days. Frozen turkeys provide their own refrigeration in a cooler; no ice is needed.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We've done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!).

Thaw in cold water

(In a pinch, a large cooler, canning pot, or even bathtub can work.) Leave the turkey in its wrapper, and put breast side down in your container with enough cold water to cover the turkey completely.

Leaving cooked turkey out for a few hours can be cause for concern. Bacteria thrive at temperatures between 41 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is exactly where room temperature falls. Bacteria can be introduced onto your turkey if it is not cooked properly, by other raw foods through cross-contamination, or by humans.

In case you are wondering, here are some thawing methods that are not recommended: thawing a turkey on the counter, in the garage or on the back porch.

“Actually, from a food safety standpoint it's safer to cook the turkey when it's still frozen. A frozen turkey will not spread raw juices around the kitchen, will not waste water as you try to thaw it and will produce an excellent and juicy cooked product.”

It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. A turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator can remain in the refrigerator for one to two days.

“Actually, from a food safety standpoint it's safer to cook the turkey when it's still frozen. A frozen turkey will not spread raw juices around the kitchen, will not waste water as you try to thaw it and will produce an excellent and juicy cooked product.”

Thawing temperature has to be controlled, and there are only four correct ways to thaw frozen foods: In the cooler at 41° F or lower. In a microwave (if the food is to be cooked immediately) Submerged under 70° F or lower running water.

Just get a cooler large enough to hold your turkey, make sure it's clean and put it in. That's all. The frozen turkey will provide its own refrigeration while it thaws. Depending on weight this can take three or four days.